Almeria

Almería’s best hotels reflect the city’s Moorish heritage in their exotic opulence. The Alcazaba Fortress overlooks the Plaza Vieja Hotel & Lounge (Plaza de la Constitución), which channels the monument’s Moroccan style into its own décor. There is a more contemporary brand of luxury to be found at the VITA Gran Hotel (Avenida Reina Regente), which offers an outdoor pool in addition to close proximity to the sea, which can be enjoyed from the balconies that boast ocean views. Meanwhile family-fun pensions such as Pension Americano (Avenida de la Estacion) usually yield the best budget accommodation.

You can get your hands on everything from seasonal specialities to bric-a-brac at Almería’s bustling local markets, which also provide a great platform for getting to know the city. The Mercado Central de Abastos (Circunvalación Del Mercado) is a good place to start, followed by a stroll down to San José and a browse of the craft stalls you'll find here. Carboneras lays on a large street market on Thursdays, selling local fresh produce, ceramics and handicrafts. Elsewhere Calle Real and Calle de las Tiendas both offer interesting blends of quirky boutiques and well-known brands, while the fashion-conscious out there should head to Paseo de Almería.

The Almería region boasts a distinctive cuisine that draws on Arabic and Mediterranean influences. Head to Casa Puga (Jovellanos 7) to try local specialities, an ancient taverna that rates among the city’s best eateries. There is a superb blend of tasty tapas and rustic dishes to be found at La Encina Plaza Vieja (Calle Marín), while upmarket Club de Mar (Playa de Almadrabillas) serves up some of the city’s finest seafood. El Bello Rincón (Carretera Nacional-340) is also renowned for its creative menu that centres around fish dishes, also offering enticing sea views, while Casa Sevilla (Calle Rueda López) combines creativity and tradition throughout its choices.

Procession of the Virgin of the Sea

January

This festival honours ‘La Virgen del Mar’, the patron saint of Almería. An ancient statue of the Virgin Mary is paraded back to the beach where it was originally found, before the sands come alive with music, food and bonfires.

Noche de San Juan

June

This midsummer festival sees the burning of papier mâché figures, music, traditional verbena dancing and street bonfires, as Almería celebrates this part Christian celebration, part Pagan ritual.

Almería Fair

August

Traditional Spanish flamenco dancing and bullfighting are combined with modern partying at this summer festival. There is a public holiday on the last Saturday of the celebrations, which sees a stunning floral offering made to the Virgin Mary.

Almería Western Film Festival

October

This festival is held in the desert of Tabernas, and can lay claim to being the first festival in Europe exclusively dedicated to Western films, combining screenings of classic and new movies.

International Festival of Spanish Keyboard Music

October

This festival aims to draw both musical academics and members of the public through its programme of concerts, workshops and fringe events. There are also courses run by nationally acclaimed artists for those wishing to learn a new skill.